Stay at Casa Quintino in the heart of Tuscany

Fall in love with Casa Quintino

Casa Quintino is a lovingly restored old farmhouse situated above a hidden valley in the depths of rural Tuscany. It was built over 300 years ago on the site of a hermitage, where monks quarried travertine stone. We have combined the ancient mood of the site with modern comfort to offer you the deep tranquility of unspoiled countryside. It is a haven of peace, with no made made sounds or sights on the edge of the Parco Benessere (Wellbeing Park) - the original arcadia.

We are 25 minutes drive from both Volterra and San Gimignano, the most admired hill top town in Italy. Our nearest village is Gambassi Terme, the center of the Via Francigena, in Tuscany where the ancient pilgrims travelled to the Holy Land. . We are also exactly in the center of the Renaissance cultural triangle, one hour equidistant from Pisa, Florence and Siena. To the east, we are a one hour drive to the long sandy beaches of the Etruscan coast, the gateway to the islands of Elba and Giglio.
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Casa Quintino is not a 'Tourist Villa' but a simple unpretenious Refugio, appealling most to nature lovers who are seeking a break from urban life. The remote situation provides long views over rolling hills to Volterra on the skyline. In the evening the moon rise can be seen from the patio, and stars are extraordinary in the deep velvety night where in spring the only sound is the call of the nightingale. It is a nature lover's delight with the birdsong of cuckoos and African hoopo whilst deer, foxes, porcupines and wild boar regularly visit the ancient spring in the evenings.

Our best review put it like this:
"This is where Tuscan dreams come true! It is a beautiful country house in typical Tuscan style in an authentic setting not far from great sights, such as San Gimignano, Siena, Monteriggioni, Florence, etc. A car is a prerequisite for approaching the property! The hosts are warm, friendly and very helpful. They have a special story about the creation of the country house. I would have liked to spend more time with them! Everything is perfect and happy again!'

Walk the beautiful Pilgrim Route in Tuscany

Views Along the Via Francigena

Ambling in Arcadia - a six day hike along the Via Francigena

The Via Francigena (The French Way) is an ancient pathway from Canterbury in England to Rome, which has been walked by pilgrims for over a thousand years. It is similar to the Camino in Spain but much less well-known and therefore not yet crowded - the best way to get to know Tuscany inside out.

The British Archbishop Sigerac (989-994) pioneered the pilgrim route, identifying each Stage on his way back from Rome. His descriptions have enable the 'Via' to be recreated with well-marked routes. However, there is limited accomodation on the route so we have set up our home, Casa Quintino, as a registered 'Affitte Camere' (B+B) and as we are in the depths of unspoilt Tuscany, we appeal particularly to nature lovers who want to connect with the countryside. We are situated between some of the main towns on the Via: San Miniato (36kms) to San Gimignano (19kms) and south to Siena (60kms), so you can make our house your epicentre while you hike four of the most beautiful stages in the whole route. We are now offering a special package for members of hiking groups providing accomodation and backup.

'Ambling in Arcadia' offers the best part of the Via Francgena, with minimal penance and maximum immersion in true Arcadia. As some of the ancient route is now inevitably along tar roads (especially when approaching main towns), we have edited the hike so that you can avoid all built up areas and traffic. Each day's route enables you to experience Arcadia like the original pilgrims walking quietly along remote tracks through forest, farmland and little hamlets with minimal modern annoyance. We provide a reliable back-up in case of emergency, as well as detailed knowledge of the routes to ensure everyone get the best out of the trip. This means hands free and carefree: you dont carry your backpack and avoid the stress finding accomodation each night.

Explore the Hilltop Towns and Culture of Tuscany

Casa Quintino is based in the centre of Tuscany and offers easy access to a wealth of cultural experiences.

Cultural festivals near Casa Quintino

The cultural festivals in Tuscany within a one hour radious of Casa Quintino are too numerous to list. All summer each hill top town celbrates a 'Sagra' when a particular product or food is made the object of a festival when the whole town turns out, and shares the celebration.

Most towns also provide a summer festival, with a line up of performances in the main Piazza:

Volterra hosts a jazz festival and a drama festival in the Medieval Amphitheatre. w
San Gimignano often has full Opera performed in the main Piazza with well known artists from around the world.
Lucca has a well known Pop festival when huge stars such as Sir Elton John and Van Morrison regular peform.
In the tiny village of Lajatico, Andrea Bocelli performs at his annual concert on his own estate at a purpose built Teatro Del Silenzio - an spectacolo which attracted 12,000 people this year.

The highlight of the summer in Tuscany is of course the famous Palio, held in Siena twice a year, once in July and once in August. The whole town competes in a horse race between the neighbourhoods (contrade) in a two minute horse race around the Campo - the shell shaped piazza in the centre of this lovely town- an event you will never forget.

Outr local attraction is in last two weekends of August, when Volterra hosts a medival festival and the whole town reverts to 1398, the year the town survived the palgue. This is a fascinating insight into medival life and what people ate, their music and dance, the jousting and flag throwing and all the skills needs to survive. A wonderful education for a young family.